Hospital-bound Scots can ‘dial an artist’ to fuel creativity during lockdown

Lockdown has proved arts and culture are incredibly important for wellbeing, with many Scots turning to virtual entertainment to keep occupied while the country’s venues are closed to the public.

Those in hospitals or living at home with disabilities are finding it particularly hard to access cultural sources during this testing time, so a Scottish charity has developed a way to bring artists directly to them.

Stirling-based Artlink Central has set up an innovative “dial-an-artist” service for children and adults in hospital, or anyone living at home with dementia.

Whether they’re into music, dancing, painting or anything in between, people are matched with an artist for a virtual one-to-one creative session.

Artlink Director Kevin Harrison said: “We’re beaming an artist into hospitals and homes across Forth Valley, offering any child or adult in hospital or anyone living at home with dementia the chance of having a one to one creative session via their phone, tablet or computer.  Whether they’re into music or sculpting, dancing or painting, or anything in between, we’ll match them with an artist who shares their passion and get them creating.”

The initiative is part of the charity’s uplifting programme of live arts and culture workshops and one-to-one experiences.

Artlink’s Open Artspace service, aimed at supporting wellbeing, has been moved online during the coronavirus crisis to provide users with social contact and to encourage them to be creative.

Virtual sessions will be led by artist Aya Iguchi, who said: “We understand that staying at home can leave us feeling stressed, anxious and isolated, so we’re offering weekly Wednesday afternoon sessions via Zoom to provide much needed social contact and a safe and creative space to connect at this difficult time. You don’t have to be an artist to take part, just an interest in trying something creative.”

The charity is also offering weekly bite-sized creative workshops via Facebook, with easy creative ideas for children and families to do at home or in hospital with limited materials.

The Creative Bytes sessions will be run by local artist Alan Bryden.

He said: “Whether you’re rooting around for short activities for children to do, or an adult searching for inspiration for a creative project, our Creative Bytes sessions will give you all you need to make something in a few minutes or spin it out into a bigger project. Best of all, you don’t need a lot of materials to make something special, so you can take part whether you are in a ward, a care home or just at home.”

Artlink will also be distributing 100 free creative kits every week to Camelon and Tamfourhill residents, through its Make it Monday project.

Artist and co-ordinator of Camelon Arts, Mina Heydari Waite explained: “We’ll be launching a creative activity every Monday for Camelon and Tamfourhill residents to do together while apart. Every month we will send out 100 Make It Monday packs with all the materials you need for the month’s activities. We’re targeting the activities at families and children under 12, but all residents are welcome to join in.”